Oh my LANTA I hate the dreaded awful question!? Why do we even have to eat!? Especially 3 times a day? Who thought that up!?
I think EVERY momma can relate with me on this stress. I'm convinced there is few things more difficult then trying to cook with one baby attached to the boob, two toddlers banging pots and pans, dogs and cats chasing each other, pulling down table cloths and destroying the whole house behind me and no hubby to be found. Pretty picture huh? But there's one thing I have learned the hard way. That one thing is to PLAN. Dinner time will go SO much easier if you plan.
Here's how I do it every week- I cheat by using websites and apps. Talk about using technology to the fullest!
A few of my favorite websites are:
Www.eatathomecooks.com- this website has over 2 years of meal plans. All you have to do is pick a week, print out the meal plan, grocery list already compiled and recipes and head out the door shopping! There's low budget weeks and also stock your freezer weeks as well! I use this OFTEN! It is free!
Www.howdoesshedoit.com- This website takes a little more shopping, but once you find recipes that appeal to you, it generates the shopping list for you! It is free!
Www.emeals.com - I haven't tried this one out only because it costs money, and I've cheated the system by finding FREE meal plans. I have heard it on the radio, but I don't have much information other than that.
A few favorite apps I use are:
Big oven : I usually search "easy" on this app because It comes up with a lot of easy meals. I also use it for "cleaning the pantry/fridge/freezer" meals as well by searching the items I'm wanting to cook with. It's available in the Play market for free.
Grocery smart: This app, also available in the Play Market for free is amazing! Add the items to your list from your phone or from your computer. It also has a scanner to scan your VIP cards and can be synced between you and other people, so you can all see what needs to be bought.
Our groceries: Same type of app as above, but it's amazing because it continually syncs. I can add groceries to it as Curtis shops, or vice versa. Also, add your recipes to the app, and transfer the items to the grocery list with just a few clicks... making a grocery list super easy to make. Great app!
Another few things I've learned by trial and error-
Don't wait until the day you are going grocery shopping. It's stressful, especially if you don't particularly like the whole process. Plan a few days in advanced.
Plan meals that are practical. Don't try and cook a gourmet meal every night of the week. Those days will come when you're an empty nester.
Plan something friendly to your taste buds and families likings. Just because it'd different, doesn't mean it will get eaten.
Plan around the day and events going on. For example, I work Tuesday nights. I crock pot in the morning, so all Curtis has to do is pull it out and serve it. Makes the nights he's home with the kids a lot easier.
Take weather in to account. Save the soups and chilis for the winter, and take advantage of your grill in the summer.
These apps/websites/tips have made my families' dinner experience much more enjoyable. What recipe/meal planning methods do you use? What tips and tricks makes your meal planning experience more enjoyable?
